Touched by the plight of Eastern Michigan senior Ramone Williams, people across the country offer help for the school’s homeless students, even as some ask why there is not more support for low-income students seeking a degree.

A new report by education, business, philanthropic and government leaders says Michigan’s rise to an elite state depends on getting far more students to graduate from college or obtain a technical certificate after high school.

A college degree is more critical, yet more expensive, for Michigan families. At a Center for Michigan summit Monday, the governor and university chiefs clashed over how to make college more affordable.

Michigan universities have invested heavily in programs to curb dangerous drinking, with mixed results. Experts suggest ways that both schools and lawmakers in Lansing can help keep students safer. Meanwhile, a model for success emerges in Nebraska.

Across Michigan on game day, or just about any night during the week, alcohol is readily available to most any students who seek it (though, to be sure, many of the businesses that serve alcohol are vigilant in making sure students are of age).

Universities are spending millions to curb dangerous drinking. Yet blackout partying persists in a puke-and-rally culture. Bridge investigates what works, and what doesn’t, in the ongoing battle to keep college students safe.